Playing Time

by Getting Yosted on Jan 23, 2009 1:16 PM CST

Out of all the things Ned Yost did poorly, one of the underlooked ones was his inability to properly use his bench. Four of the position players started more than 150 games last year, and it is my opinion this was why the team struggled down the stretch. The starters were worn down, and 'crunch time' isn't the best spot to start resting them.

So with that said, imagine you are the GM and can not only set up the roster but dicatate playing time. From the 40-man roster who do you want to see fill the 5 bench spots, and how do you want to see them used? I see the bench as:

Brad Nelson, platoon 3B/backup corner OF
Craig Counsell, backup SS/2B
TGJr, utility OF
The mythical Mike Rivera, backup C/1B
Vinny Rotino

As the lefty platoon partner, Nelson should start about 90ish games at 3B, with another 15-20 in LF. Counsell should see 50 games starting between SS and 2B with another 10-15 games as a late game defensive sub, Gwynn 40 games in CF/RF, Rivera 40 games at C and another 15-20 at 1B.

Rotino keeps Bill Schroeder from freaking out when The mythical Mike Rivera is used in the same game as Kendall , and can reprise the role of Joe Dillon from last year of striking out against lefties in crucial late game situations when it isn't Kendall's turn to bat. Counsell will continue in his role of hitting late-inning weak ground outs against righties.

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Ick

Did you mean Mike Lamb instead of Nelson? Three catchers on the roster?

I don’t like any situation where Brad Nelson is getting 110 starts, Counsell 60, Gwynn 40, and Rivera 60 starts. That sounds crazy to me. Its great to rest your players, but if you want to win games I think you have to play your best players.

Other than sitting Branyan too much (before he was hurt) and refusing to sit Kendall, I think Yost did a fine job utlitzing the bench.

by Supertramp on Jan 23, 2009 1:35 PM CST reply actions

No, I meant Brad Nelson

Mike Lamb had a 112 OPS+ in 2007 batting in a strict platoon, and only because he had an OPS of 1.056 in the 57 PA against lefties(and a 888/764 home/road OPS split in Houston that year). It would be just as advantageous to have Bill Hall play full time as waste a roster spot on Lamb. At least with Nelson you’ll get average defense with the benefit of position flexibility in corner OF and 1B should a nagging injury crop up.

Also he will help Prince’s weight problems, using the chick reasoning that if you want to be skinny hang out with fatter friends.

by Getting Yosted on Jan 23, 2009 3:00 PM CST up reply actions

Gotcha

I think calling Brad Nelson average at 3B may be a stretch. He’s played 25 games at 3B his entire minor league career, and just looking at his size I question how good he’ll be. I agree that Lamb isn’t the strongest option in the world, but with the right side of the infield as weak as it is, more experience at 3B is probably needed.

My guess:

— Rivera- start once a week
— Counsell – primary 2B/SS backup
— Hall/Lamb- platoon or hot hand
— Nelson – RF/1B. Fill in for struggling Hart and on Fielder’s off days, primary pitch hitter.
— Last spot – Irribaren, Bourgeois, or Gwynn. Really doesn’t matter to me and I think they all offer similar things. Bourgeouis probably has the advantage because he’d be the only rightie pitch hit option on the bench and can play 2B.

by Supertramp on Jan 23, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions

I agree with the first 4 spots

However, for the 5th position I’m thinking Gwynn has the advantage b/c he is out of options, offers another left handed bat, and has the ability to play all OF positions. Looking at that bench there is no one to give Cameron and Braun a break unless you plan on shifting Hart anytime you need to give those guys a rest.

by MadJimiBrewha on Jan 23, 2009 6:03 PM CST up reply actions

My bench

Mike Rivera, C (20-25 starts, or a little more than one every two weeks)
Jason Bourgeois, CF/2B (Start once a week each at second and center, plus pinch running)
Brad Nelson, 1B/LF/RF (primarily a bat off the bench, occasional starter)
Craig Counsell, 3B/SS/2B (Sit on the end of the bench and look gritty)
Whichever of Hall/Lamb isn’t playing.

I’d like to see Kendall start 120-130 games instead of 150, but I’m fine with letting Braun, Hardy and Fielder play 150 games if they’re up to it. With this group Hart and Weeks could be sat down when they’re struggling, and Hall could be platooned.

I don't specifically articulate my motives, because that wouldn't travel as well as a boo does.

by Kyle Lobner on Jan 23, 2009 1:58 PM CST reply actions

Looks Good but..

Isn’t TGJ out of minor league options? So its trade him, keep him on the club, or hope he clears waivers, right?

I may be wrong on that, though.

by Charlie Marlow on Jan 23, 2009 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

He is.

But I’d still rather have Bourgeois. TGJ might clear waivers anyway.

I don't specifically articulate my motives, because that wouldn't travel as well as a boo does.

by Kyle Lobner on Jan 23, 2009 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

What about

McGeehee[sic]? I realize we have quite the stable of 3B, but with a strong spring training performance, you think he gets a chance?

by Wayfaerer on Jan 23, 2009 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think TGJ clears waivers at this point, though he probably should.

SD might claim him just for the headline.

I have an unreasonable dislike of Bill Hall.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Jan 23, 2009 8:57 PM CST up reply actions

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